Morelli Hints at Preferences

Brandon Huffman

04/17/2003

One of UCLA's top targets in the high school junior class is quarterback <b>Anthony Morelli</b> from Pennsylvania. In this interview with him, the young man talks about his favorites and what he's looking for in a school...

It's not that often that a big-time quarterback from Pennsylvania shows interest in a west coast school, but that all has changed with Anthony Morelli, 6-4, 210, Pittsburgh (Penn.) Penn Hills. The rifle-armed KeystoneState signal-caller has shown a strong interest in UCLA, and is heading out to California this summer to visit Westwood while participating in the Elite 11 camp.

"I'll be out for the Elite 11 camp and I plan to see UCLA and meet with Coach Axman and Coach Dorrell," said Morelli."Coach Dorrell seems real nice and Coach Axman is real cool."

Coming off a junior season in which he was 78-for-148 for 1,880 yards and 21 TDs, Morelli has caught the eye of several strong programs in the midwest, and has 17 scholarship offers to date. UCLA, Pittsburgh, Penn State, Ohio State, MichiganWest Virginia, Iowa and Purdue are a handful of schools that have offered.But only two were mentioned prominently when Morelli was asked about them. "UCLA and Pittsburgh are recruiting me the most, and UCLA is probably one of my top schools," said Morelli.

He is in no real hurry to make a decision, nor is the pressure to stay local playing a role in his decision."My dad is just telling me to make my own decision and not let people make it for me."

The Bruins coaching staff has made a strong impression on him. And with a former Bruin, Tommy Maddox, playing QB in Pittsburgh, Morelli did mention that the success of former Bruin QBs in the NFL is something that has piqued his interest. "You could say that.With all the guys that have gone to the NFL that have stood out.But I want to go where I feel comfortable, to a place where they win, and where the coaching is good.And they have good academics."

Morelli has a 3.0 GPA and will take the SAT this spring.

Aside from the Elite 11 Camp, Morelli will also participate in the Pittsburgh Camp this summer.